Historical Marker

Murfreesboro

Historical marker location:
3050 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
( Marker can be reached from Medical Center Parkway, 0.1 miles west of Greshampark Drive, on the right when traveling west.)

Civil War Battleground

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.
Tennessee was the site of the first recorded manned flight in history. In 1878, a man named George Washington Pearcy flew a steam-powered aircraft over a field in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Tennessee random facts
Rutherford County, located in the central part of Tennessee, has a rich history that dates back to the early settlers in the late 1700s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Chickasaw, before European explorers and settlers arrived. One of the first settlers was William Lytle, who established a fort known as Lytle's Station in 1803 to protect against Native American attacks and provide a place for other settlers to take refuge.

The county was officially established in 1803 and was named after Griffith Rutherford, a Revolutionary War general. During the early years, the economy of Rutherford County primarily relied on agriculture, with tobacco and cotton being the main cash crops. The building of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad in the mid-19th century boosted the region's economy and opened up opportunities for trade and transportation.

Rutherford County played a significant role in the American Civil War. The Battle of Stones River, one of the bloodiest battles of the war, took place in Rutherford County in December 1862, resulting in a Union victory. The Battle of Stones River National Battlefield now preserves this important historical site, attracting visitors from far and wide.

In the 20th century, Rutherford County experienced rapid growth and urbanization. The establishment of Middle Tennessee State University in 1911 brought educational opportunities and attracted students from all over the state. Over the years, Rutherford County has seen significant development in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in Tennessee.

Overall, Rutherford County's history is marked by its early settlement, contributions to the Civil War, and subsequent growth and development. Today, it continues to be a thriving community with a mix of historical significance and modern amenities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Rutherford County, Tennessee.

  • 1803: Rutherford County was established on October 25.
  • 1811: Murfreesboro, the county seat, was incorporated on November 9.
  • 1823: Middle Tennessee State College, now Middle Tennessee State University, was founded.
  • 1861: During the Civil War, the Battle of Stones River took place in Murfreesboro from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863.
  • 1865: Freedmen's Bureau Office was established in Murfreesboro to provide assistance to newly freed slaves after the Civil War.
  • 1881: The Courthouse in downtown Murfreesboro was completed.
  • 1920: Middle Tennessee State Normal School changed its name to Middle Tennessee State Teachers College.
  • 1965: Middle Tennessee State College became Middle Tennessee State University.
  • 1981: The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce was established to support local businesses.
  • 1995: The Nissan manufacturing plant opened in Smyrna, contributing to the economic growth of Rutherford County.